Finland's Lion Music is continuing to surprise us lately with their varied offerings, as they are slowly starting to release more and more classic prog and fusion styled albums instead of the normal instrumental guitar recordings that they have been noted for. Waterclime's The Astral Factor is actually a project from Mr. V of the eclectic avant-garde metal band Vintersorg (a name he also goes by) as well as Borknagar, and he has recorded a lush and symphonic 70's sounding album here with a couple of guest musicians , namely fellow Vintersorg guitarist Matthias Marklund as well as Black Bonzo member Magnus Lindgren. Otherwise Mr. V handles all the instrumentation, from the drums to the guitars, flutes, strings, bells, vocals, bass, and keyboards, of which are featured organ, synths, and Mellotrons.
It's a pretty symphonic and melodic ride from start to finish, with waves of keyboards, lush layers of lead and backing vocals, and electric and acoustic guitars. One of the most appealing songs is the lengthy "Painting Without Colours", a soaring number that brings to mind classic Yes or The Flower Kings at the most symphonic. If you like things a little more rocking, there is the Hammond organ and Mellotron drenched hard rock of "Midnight Flyer", which instantly reminded me of vintage Uriah Heep, The Vanilla Fudge, or Nektar with its charging keyboard attack and muscular guitar riffs. The final cut "Timewind" also throws in some meaty metal riffing alongside splendid Mellotron, Moog, and Hammond layers, for a wild aural assault. Overall this is pretty enjoyable and proggy stuff, that will surprise a lot of people. From the vocal harmonies to the rich instrumentation, it's one of the early prog rock gems of 2006. Check it out!
Track Listing
1. Mountains
2. Floating
3. The Astral Factor
4. Diamond Moon
5. Painting Without Colours
6. Midnight Flyer
7. Scarytale
8. Timewind
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